Religion Act 1592

The Religion Act 1592 (35 Eliz. I, c. 1) was an Act of the Parliament of England. The Act imprisoned those over the age of sixteen who failed to attend Church; persuaded others to do the same; denied Queen Elizabeth's authority in religious matters; and who attended unlawful religious meetings without bail. If, after offending, they did not conform in the next three months, they would be exiled from England forever. The Act fined those who harboured recusants £10 for every month hidden. The Act stated that it would continue no longer than the end of the next session of Parliament.[1] However, the Act was still in effect as late as 1671, when John Bunyan was tried for disobedience to it. [2]

Notes

  1. ↑ G. R. Elton (ed.), The Tudor Constitution. Documents and Commentary. Second Edition (Cambridge University Press, 1982), pp. 458-61.
  2. ↑ Goertzen, Donald (6 February 2013). "Biblical Issues in our Contemporary World". Indian River Community College. p. 50. Retrieved 30 April 2013. despite Bunyan's clear breach of the Religion Act of 1592...